Diesel to Vegetable Oil Fuel Converter Kits

3562 Daysof trouble-free motoring on veg oil since converting on 18th June 2008

For a modern diesel engine to use vegetable oil effectively as
a fuel, a converter system is required. Not using a converter
system is
simply a means to expensive mechanical repairs and I wouldn't advise
it. Certainly when it came tomy
diesel car, I wanted to keep it, and so I chose to
use a converter system.

I am not a mechanic so my explanation of a conversion system is
basic at best, but my understanding is this:

Starting a cold engine on cold vegetable oil is risky in a modern
engine and can cause damage, as is starting a cold engine with
hot vegetable oil. But hot vegetable oil in a hot engine makes
for happy combustion. Consequently a quality converter system uses
standard diesel for cold starting – a two tank system. I've made a YouTube Video on the subject that you may find helpful.

The Two Tank System

When the engine is cold, standard diesel is drawn through the
engine which fires in the usual manner.

The engine begins to warm quickly (it’s basically a
series of controlled explosions).

Preheaters warm the vegetable oil.

As the engine reaches an ideal temperature, hot vegetable
oil is fed into the hot engine instead of diesel.

The engine continues to run on vegetable oil.

When the journey nears an end, approximately two minutes before
stopping, the system switches the fuel supply to standard diesel
once more, purging the engine of vegetable oil. Consequently
upon next starting, when the engine may be cold, there’s
no starting problems.

As I said, this is NOT a technical explanation. For more details as a
professional fitter. You may have seen them on the "Angry Frog" episode of Chop Shop - where Bernie and Leepu converted a car to run partly on veg oil (50/50 mix of veg oil and diesel).

What Is A Two Tank System?

The two tank system is exactly what it sounds like - a system
that require two fuel tanks.

Usually the existing fuel tank is utilised to hold the vegetable
oil. A second, smaller tank is fitted elsewhere in the vehicle
(normally inside the boot) which holds the diesel for starting
and stopping.

Inside
the driving cabin, usually on the dashboard, a control switch
is placed, allowing the driver to operate the system. Under
the
bonnet all the fuel management, preheating bits do the wonderous
mechanical magic of which I have no insight whatsover. Sorry.
I just know it works...

Fitting

Given my obvious technical inneptness, obviously the question
needs to be asked, who should fit your converter system... DIY
or professional fitting?

Please help me to help you. Everything on this website is provided free of charge. A small contribution would be much appreciated to help me continue in my efforts to spread the Veg Oil word. Many thanks.